Search

Highlights the Powder River Basin (PRB) Coal Users Group's (CUG) meeting held on March 22, 2001 in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants of the meeting; Issues addressed in the meeting; Demand for clean-burning coals; Suggestions for PRB coal shift of power plants; Importance of proper design and operations of a PRB coal-handling system; Coal Plant of the Year award given to Kincaid Generation LLC.

The article reports on the Ottumwa Generating Station in Iowa that has been recently renovated by Alliant Energy Corp. to improve air quality, plant reliability, and efficiency. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its proposed Carbon Pollution Standards for Existing Power Plants on August 3, 2015.

The article reports that Alliant Energy Corp. and its co-owners will modernize the Columbia Energy Center by investing 900 dollars for a new suite of air quality control equipment and plant improvements. The suite will increase its output and efficiency while reducing emissions. John Larsen, president of Alliant Energy's Wisconsin utility, said the project will provide direct benefits to customers.

The article focuses on Cengiz Enerji Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S., which operates 1,000 MW of natural gas-fired plants that produce power for the wholesale energy market in Turkey. It is noted that the Electricity Market Law that was passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 2001 opened the Turkish electricity market to competition. It is said that one of the objectives of the law was to make Turkey's power market compatible with those of the European Union (EU).

The article reports on the 1.8 billion dollars 290-MW Agua Caliente Solar Project, strategically located on 2,400 acres 65 miles east of Yuma, near the farmland communities of Dateland and Hyder, Arizona, It is said that the project, which was completed in April 2014, is the latest addition to the nation's growing solar capacity and now holds the title as the largest photovoltaic plant in the world.

The article reports on the 280-MW Solana Generating Station in Maricopa County, Arizona. It is said that the Station combines concentrating solar power (trough) technology with thermal energy storage. This which allows the 2 billion dollars Station to operate after the Sun goes down with up to a 38% annual average capacity factor.

The article focuses on the Ulsan 4 combined cycle power plant in the Ulsan Metropolitan City in South Korea. The success of the Ulsan 4 project is due in part to East-West Power Co. Ltd.'s ('EWP's) project management skills. Energy company EWP's project management team was responsible for developing creative and cost-effective.

The article offers information about the Jingqiao Power Plant (JPP) in Beijing, China. The JPP was built to help meet the rising demand for power and heating in Beijing. There are four power and heating centers in Beijing. JPP is the only power and heating center in the southwest of Beijing. The design of JPP is to meet the heating demand of southwest Beijing in extreme cold.

The article announces that the North Omaha Station (NOS) of the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) was awarded the 2013 Plant of the Year - Small Plant Catergory by the Powder River Basin Coal Users' Group (PRBCUG).

The article provides information on Alqueva II, a new pumped storage hydropower plant supplying baseload electric power in Portugal. It says that the carbon emission target set by the European Union and the lack of indigenous fossil fuel resources forced Portugal to take renewable energy in 2000. It discusses the features of then project under a contract signed by Energia de Portugal (EDP) with Alston and its consortium partners EFACEC Engenharia SA for the Phase II development of the project.

The article focuses on the Mesquite Solar 1 in Maricopa County, Arizona as one of the Top Plants of the publication "Power." It mentions that the facility, which is operated by Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and Consolidated Edison Development Inc., is capable of producing 150 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic-generated electricity. It adds that the facility has the capability of producing such power through its 680,000 solar panels covering an area equivalent to 680 football fields.

The article focuses on Florida-based energy company Florida Power & Light Co.'s (FPL) Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant in Miami-Dade County and St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant in St. Lucie County. It states that the power plants' equipment were modernized to expand its nuclear energy capacity at low cost for consumers. It examines FPL's uprate program which is said to be complicated as it involves all components of the plant as well as the safety system and operating procedure.

The article presents information on the Prairie State Energy Campus power station in Illinois. Prairie State Generating Co. LLC. is the owner and operator of the power plant. It is stated that the power plant is most probably the last multi-unit coal-fired power plants to be built in the U.S. About 95% the ownership group of the power plant are public power agencies as well as community-owned electric utilities.

The article presents information on the Shentou Second Power Plant in Shuozhou City, China. Shenhua Guoneng Energy Group Corp. Ltd. is the owner and operator of the power plant. The electricity generated by the plant is sent to power grids across Shanxi and Beijing-Tianjin-Tangshan , which deliver electricity to the large part of eastern populations centers in China.

The article presents information on the prospects of the Edwardsport Generating Station in Indiana for the POWER Top Plant award. Duke Energy Indiana Inc. is the owner and operator of the power plant. It is stated that one of the main reasons why Edwardsport should get the award is because Duke decided that commercializing of state-of-the-art gasification technology was right.

The article offers information on the Southcentral Power Project in Anchorage, which is the most fuel-efficient and the third-largest natural gas power plant in Alaska. The power plant is owned by the companies Anchorage Municipal Light & Power and Chugach Electric Association Inc. It informs that the plant uses aeroderivative LM6000PF combustion turbines from General Electric Co., has a Power Boost capability, and improved operational flexibility.

The article focuses on the Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) Brazi, located in Bucharest, Romania. It informs that CCPP Brazi is the most efficient thermal plant in the country, and it produces about 9% to 10% of the country's total electricity demand. It discusses the construction of the CCPP Brazi plant, which has been built by OMV Petrom SA, a leading Central European oil and gas company and the largest one in Romania.

The author discusses the impact of distributed energy resources on electric utilities and their customers. The author explains the challenges of integrating distributed energy resources into electric grid including the integration costs, cost shifting, and backup rates. The author states that collaborative efforts between state legislators, utilities, and customers are needed to address public policy issues and financial burden of cost shifting.

The article focuses on the completion of performing steam turbine retrofits on two generating units at Dominion Virginia Power station in Louisa County, Virginia which provides reliable baseload electricity and technical achievement. It mentions that the station has benefited from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved uprates. Also, the steam turbine retrofits could mean the production of more power if there are sufficiency in switchgear, generator, and grid interconnection.

The article reports that JEA's Northside Generating Station's two repowered units have undergone a series of modifications and repairs to make its two circulating fluidized bed boiler plants reliable. The changes in the boiler systems were reportedly made to address two main problems including ash agglomeration on heat transfer surfaces and poor intrex heat exchanger performance.

The article offers information on the Dominion Energy Inc.'s 585 megawatt Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center, in southwestern Virginia, that relies on two circulating fluidized bed boilers that reportedly burn coal and local waste coal mixed with up to 20% biomass. The center is also stated to have one of the industry's largest air-cooled condenser systems to minimize the plant's water usage and entered commercial service July 10, 2012, on budget and on schedule

The article looks at lubricating oil wear-particle analysis, an essential part of predictive maintenance (PdM). It mentions that type, location, and severity of component wear occurring within the lubrication or hydraulic system of a machine can be determined by wear-particle analysis. It states that indication of improper maintenance or repair practices can be traced by monitoring oil condition over six or eight sample periods.

The article offers information on the construction of 880 megawatt John Sevier Combined Cycle Plant of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Rogersville, Tennessee. It is stated that TVA is provides electricity to seven southeastern states and know for its coal-fired plants. It further informs that this is the fifth gas plant of TVA and discusses the configuration and importance of teamwork, safety, and quality in the plant.

The article discusses various digital technologies related to the energy industry. It is stated that the third-generation digital control system (DCS) uses the latest personal computer (PC) technology and open communication technologies, that can be applied throughout the power plant. Several software options are also available to the power plant operator, such as Yokogawa's Vigilant-Plant, Alstom Power's ALSPA Series 6, Siemens SPPA-T3000, and Honeywell's TDC 3000.

The article presents information on the J.K. Spruce 2, Calaveras Power Station, located in San Antonio, Texas. It is owned and operated by CPS Energy, and is stated to be the cleanest coal-fired plants in the U.S. A discussion on CPS Energy's Strategic Energy Plan, plant's construction, equipment, operations and work processes, is presented.

The article presents information on the St. Johns River Power Park (SJRPP), located in Jacksonville, Florida. The Park includes two identical 640-MWnet coal-fired baseload generating units, that were placed into service in 1987 and 1988. Information on developments related to the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce emissions, is presented. For one of the projects at the Park, Ceram Environmental Inc. was chosen as the catalyst supplier.

The article presents an interview with David K. Owens, executive vice president for Business Operations Group at the Edison Electric Institute Inc. (EEI). When asked about the role of the electric utility industry in this century, Owens stated that the job is the same to deliver a reliable, affordable electricity supply. He discussed the role of EEI in a clean energy future. Costs of a modernizing electric grid were also discussed by Owens.

The article offers information the insurance market of U.S. It states that companies must build good relationships with insurers to benefit from the insurance program. It also emphasizes on understanding the insurance policy before taking one for an equipment. It also mentions that companies must inquire about the insurer, and not just insurance rates before getting a policy.

An interview with vice president of Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas Inc., Bill Newsom is presented. He states that to support the power generation market, the company continues to develop industry-leading technologies. He mentions that the company invests in the infrastructure of the power generation industry in the U.S. He states that the company is offering products that offers a shift from hydrocarbon supply to renewable energy consuming society.

An interview with chief technology officer of Siemens Energy Inc., Michael Weinhold is presented. He mentions that the company will supply gas turbine packages to coal gasification plant located in Liberty, Mississippi. He states that a joint marketing agreement has been signed by Siemens and Coulomb Technologies Inc. for the development of electric vehicle (EV) in EV market. He comments on the investment of company in photovoltaics and solar thermal power plants

An interview with vice president of GE Power & Water, Paul Browning is presented. When asked about the future plans, he mentions that the company will increase its investment in new products with the plans to rejuvinate existing products. He mentions that the most important factor that attracts investors of power industry, is demand for electricity. He states that the company is increasing its investments in flexible combined-cycle power plants.

An interview with the head of power for Alstom Power Inc., Timothy Curran is presented. When asked about the future plans, he mentions that the company follows the research & development (R&D) program to develop technologies for owners of power plant. He comments that Alstom is an international company with its branches in several countries worldwide. He discusses about technology transfer agreement, to transfer latest technology in equipment, project management and quality control.

The article discusses the operation of 600-MegaWatt Isogo Thermal Power Station J-Power owned by Electric Power Development Co. Ltd. in Yokohama Harbor, Japan. The company has the objectives to lower emissions levels in a gas-fired plant and increase thermal operating efficiency in supplying electricity throughout the country. It states that regenerative activated coke dry-type technology (ReACT) system and electrostatic precipitator are installed to reduce flue gas emissions.

The article focuses on the manufacturing operation of 1,273-MegaWatt Brandon Shores Generating Station Constellation Energy in Pasadena, Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE), the company was able to comply the required federal ambient air quality standards for fine particulate matter and ozone by fossil and renewable natural resources. Information regarding the Siemens Water Technologies innovative biological and chemical water treatment system is also discussed.

The article discusses the industrial operation of 50-year-old Dickerson Generating Station (DGS) Mirant Corp. in Montgomery County, Maryland. The company has invested about 1.67 million dollars to install flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems and selective catalytic reduction systems to reduce carbon dioxide emission and polluted water in compliance to the Maryland Healthy Air Act (MHAA). The author emphasized the importance of machinery health-monitoring system for environmental protection.

The article presents detailed information on West County Energy Center (WCEC), located in Palm Beach County, Florida. The plant, owned by Florida Power & Light Co., consists of a 3 x 1 combined-cycle configuration with Mitsubishi Power Systems 501G1 combustion turbines, 16 combustors, and three Nooter/Eriksen triple-pressure heat-recovery steam generators (HRSGs). As stated, WCEC will assume the title of largest combined-cycle power plant in the U.S., after the completion of its three units.

The article presents detailed information on Panoche Energy Center, located in Firebaugh, California. The plant, owned by Energy Investment Funds and operated by Power Plant Management Services LLC, uses General Electric Co.'s GE LMS100s with fast-start capability. Several features and highlights of the plant, including fast response, efficiency, water use, environmental responsibility, and schedule, are also discussed.

The article offers detailed information on Langage Combined Cycle Power Plant, located in Plymouth, Devon, England. The plant, owned by Centrica Langage Ltd., is configured with two GT26 gas turbines, two triple-pressure with reheat once-through heat-recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and a triple-pressure STF30C steam turbine. Details on the plant's features like reliability, efficiency, design, and parking, are also presented.

The article discusses the benefits in investing on good maintenance practices by engineering firms. It mentions the efficiency of using mass spectrometry and helium as a tracer gas in routinely testing air leaks into a steam turbine condenser. It also features different methods of cleaning generator coolers.

The article offers information on digital control technologies used in power plants. It states that even old plants are making use of the digital control technology. It highlights the growth of nuclear plants in the U.S. The performance of nuclear plants has reportedly increased, maintaining safety. The improvement in the performance is due to improvised plant management which include better technology and industry practices. It states the conferences to be held related to the International Society of Automation.

The article offers information on Portlands Energy Centre LP which is a partnership between Ontario Power Generation Inc. and TransCanada Energy Ltd. The Portlands Energy Centre (PEC) is a gas-fired plant located on a 12-hectare parcel of land in Port Land, Ontario. The site has rail access and is close to a natural gas pipeline. The nominal 550-MW combined-cycle plant is configured as a combined-cycle power block built on two 181 milliwatt general electric frame.

The nearly 4-GW, three-unit Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station remains the largest generator of electricity in the U.S. for the 23rd consecutive year, producing more than 30 million MWh in 2014, for the 10th time (the only plant in the U.S. to do so), all while using only treated wastewater for cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the privatization of Bahrain-based Al Ezzel Power Plant. It is stated that Al Ezzel 950-megawatt (MW) plant, powered by two identical 2 x 1 combined-cycle units that burn natural gas, went commercial in May 2007. The plant has now become Bahrain's first independent power generating station that supplies about half of the national grid's demand. The plant was built by Al Ezzel Power Co. (AEPC), and it is stated that the plant's use of state-of-the-art technology to raise its efficiency and reliability and lower its operating and maintenance costs delivers big benefits to Bahrain.

The article discusses some major safety issues that surfaced at the Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Kansas. The power generating station became operational way back in 1985. The plant is owned and operated by Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corp. The company has taken various steps to control arc flash accidents involving medium-voltage switchgear. Members of the Electrical Safety Program at Wolf Creek have studied the arc flash phenomenon for several years and have adopted all the standard protective gears available in the market.

This article focuses on the Shuweihat S1 Independent Water and Power Project in Jebel Dhana, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Since the development of the Arab world's first independent water and power project, Al Taweelah A2, two years ago in Abu Dhabi, the number of such projects in the region has increased rapidly, thanks to billions of dollars in investment the emirate has attracted following the successful privatization of its power and water sectors. Shuweihat, which is now producing 1,500 MW of electricity, as well as 100 million gallons of drinking water a day, is Abu Dhabi's latest, and the world's largest, independent power and desalination project. The Abu Dhabi Electricity and Water Authority, established in 1998, serves more than 1.4 million people. The emirates' current water demand is estimated at 600 mg/d, three times its 1998 level. To keep pace with demand, the UAE's installed generating capacity has grown from 2,000 MW seven years ago to just under 8,000 MW this year.

Presents information on Phu My 3 Power Plant, a combined-cycle plant owned and operated by SempCorp Utilities and Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc. in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Background of the build-operate-transfer project of Phu My 3; Plant layout; Project timeline and fuel supply of Phu My 3. INSET: Security in numbers.

Presents information on the top power plants according to "POWER" magazine in 2004. Sanford Repowering Project in Florida; Ravenswood Unit 40 in Long Island, New York; Danahu Thermal Power Station in India; Pusan Combined-Cycle Plant in South Korea; Pagbilao Power Plant in the Philippines.

Focuses on the top power plants selected by "Power" magazine for 2003. Criteria used in the selection; Problem with the selection process; Power generation technologies represented by the nominees.

Announces that the Jeffrey Energy Center, a coal-fired power plant of Westar Energy in Kansas, has received the Plant of the Year Award of the Power River Basin Coal Users' Group. Factors that earned Jeffrey Energy the award; Background of the power plant; Information on the consolidated fuel-handling operation and maintenance of the facility.